Richmond Raceway is the star of this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race, hosting the Cookout 400 this year. Friday night’s qualifying ended with Ryan Preece winning his way to the lead on the pole position for today’s race. This is Preece’s second pole position in his NASCAR Cup Series career, with his first and only other occurrence being at Martinsville in 2023. Preece was all smiles and said:

“Having the opportunity to start from the pole is going to make our job quite a bit easier as far as keeping control of the race. I trust Derrick, Brent and Matt to make the right decision and give us the best opportunity to be on the best strategy, have the best track position, have the best pit stops and execute a great race.”

Richmond Raceway Starting Lineup Cookout 2025

1. #60 Ryan Preece – Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing Ford
2. #45 Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing Toyota
3. #16 AJ Allmendinger – Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
4. #11 Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing
5. #9 Chase Elliot –  Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
6. #6 Brad Keselowski – RFK Racing Ford
7. #23 Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing Toyota
8. #20 Christopher Bell –Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
9. #48 Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
10. #71 Michael McDowell – Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
11. #3 Austin Dillon – Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
12. #17 Chris Buescher – RFK Racing Ford
13. #2 Austin Cindric – Team Penske Ford
14. #24 William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
15. #77 Carson Hocevar – No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
16. #10 Ty Dillon – Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
17. #21 Josh Berry – Wood Brothers Racing Ford
18. #43 Erik Jones – Legacy Motor Club Toyota
19. #19 Chase Briscoe – Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
20. #12 Ryan Blaney – Team Penske Ford
21. #99 Daniel Suárez – Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
22. #4 Noah Gragson – Front Row Motorsports Ford
23. #54 Ty Gibbs – Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
24. #41 Cole Cluster – Haas Factory Team Ford
25. #7 Justin Haley – Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
26. #35 Riley Herbst – 23XI Racing Toyota
27. #88 Shane Van Gisbergen – Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
28. #8 Kyle Busch – Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
29. #38 Zane Smith – Front Row Motorsports Ford
30. #5 Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
31. #34 Todd Gilliland – No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford
32. #67 Corey Heim – 23XI Racing Toyota
33. #1 Ross Chastain – Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
34. #42 John Hunter Nemechek – Legacy Motor Club Toyota
35. #33 Jesse Love – Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
36. #47 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – HYAK Motorsports Chevrolet
37. #51 Cody Ware – Rick Ware Racing Ford
38. #22 Joey Logano – Team Penske Ford

Richmond Raceway- What’s It All About?

The Richmond Raceway is an oval-shaped track and is approximately three-fourths of a mile long (o.75 miles). The first race here was held in 1946, with Ted Horn winning the inaugural event at this location. At one point, this track hosted horse racing, as well as open-wheel racing. Richmond Raceway did not host its first NASCAR race until 1953 and has since remained on NASCAR’s race schedules.

While Richmond Raceway classified as an oval shape, the track resembles the letter D, and many refer to Richmond Raceway as the “Action Track.” It boasts a short lap for drivers and brings the intensity that many other short tracks are also known for. Another fan favorite is that general parking is also free at this location.

Where to Watch/Listen to Today’s Race

While some NASCAR fans are lucky to be there in person, others are at home or have plans to spend time with family and friends away from the track. So, if you are looking to enjoy today’s race but aren’t at the live event, there are still ways to watch and listen to the NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway! Today’s race is scheduled to start around 7:30 PM ET, and we are all waiting for the green flag to wave.

You can stream today’s race on FUBO and also watch it on TV on the USA Network. HBO MAX still offers in-car camera coverage for its subscribers as well. You can listen to today’s event on the radio on MRN, and NASCAR.com will also have coverage. As always, you can hear and enjoy today’s race on SIRIUSXM as well on channel 90.

Who Will End Up In Victory Lane?

Preece seems confident that he will be able to control today’s race, but do you think he will end up in Victory Lane? Denny Hamlin is not too far behind him, and many fans feel like William Byron may take home another win today. No matter who you are rooting for, we are all waiting for those four famous words, “Drivers, start your engines!”